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Postdoc Research Associate - Wireless Systems and Networks

Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States


## Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate - Wireless Systems and Networks## Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee## Job Description:## **Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:**We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and contribute to cutting‐edge research advancing the frontiers of NTN, Open RAN, wireless systems, edge and cloud computing, and rural broadband.The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in shaping research directions and advancing innovative solutions in next‐generation wireless technologies.This position involves leading and mentoring teams of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as working closely with technical staff to develop, deploy, and operate wireless systems. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with faculty members and public‐ and private‐sector project partners to support the execution of funded research projects.The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish research results in high‐quality, peer‐reviewed journals and leading conference venues. In addition, the role includes active participation in research funding acquisition efforts, including contributing to—and, in some cases, leading—proposal development for federal and state agencies and industry sponsors.**Required Minimum Qualifications:*** Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.* Five or more years of combined research and/or industry experience in wireless communication systems, networking, or related domains.* Experience applying AI/ML techniques to wireless systems, including familiarity with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar tools.* Proficiency in programming and simulation tools, including Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and scientific computing frameworks.## **Preferred Qualifications:*** Proven research expertise in advanced wireless systems, including 6G, NTN, RIS/RHS, THz communications, and MEC/Open RAN systems.* Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, with a strong publication record in top‐tier IEEE journals and conferences.* Experience leading research projects, including grant writing and funding acquisition from national or international agencies.* Experience designing and implementing physical‐layer testbeds, including AI‐driven beamforming and resource allocation techniques.* Experience collaborating across academic, industry, and interdisciplinary teams, including supervision or mentorship of students and/or engineers.* Demonstrated ability to translate theoretical research into practical system implementations and functional prototypes.* Background in distributed optimization, network abstraction, and system‐level modeling.* Hands‐on experience with wireless system simulation and prototyping platforms, such as QuaDRiGa, NS‐3, Sionna, Simulink, and CVX.## ## **Department/Program & College Description:**The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cyber security engineering fields. Students get to interact with our departments’ diverse student body and faculty, and obtain practical experience to prepare them for exciting careers where they can make a difference in people’s lives. Research in our department focuses on five high-impact interdisciplinary areas: bioengineering, cyber infrastructure, distributed sensing and decision making, energy infrastructure, and small-scale technologies.## **Department Unit/Website:*******Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.***To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing Program## Proposed Start Date:May 4, 2026## Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period## Time Type:Full time## Pay Grade:Post Docs## Original Posting Date:April 28, 2026## Posting Close Date:May 5, 2026## Job Requisition Number:R19013Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.General ISU compensation information can be found on the

website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible,

attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.General ISU compensation information can be found on the

website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals
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